Vitamin K is found in fatty foods. Nature has provided enough fats in foods containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure their absorption without eating additional fat. Vitamin K is stored in the liver. High doses of fat-soluble vitamin K taken over a long period of time may be toxic for some people. A normal supplemental dose is 300 to 500 mcg.

Vitamin K is necessary for the formation of a chemical required in blood clotting. The body cannot manufacture vitamin K although it is produced by the intestinal flora. Green leafy vegetables and chlorophyll, either liquid or tablets, are a good source of vitamin K.

Deficiency Symptoms

A vitamin K deficiency may occur if there is a lack of bile, which is necessary for the absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins. Sprue (celiac disease) and colitis cause poor absorption of vitamin K in the intestines. A deficiency may cause diarrhea, miscarriage, nosebleeds and hemorrhages anywhere in the body.

RECommended DIETARY ALLOWANCE

Age Vitamin K (mcg/day)

0-6 months…………………………………………………… 5

6-12 months………………………………………………… 10

1-3 years………………………………………………………. 15

4-6 years………………………………………………………. 20

7-10 years…………………………………………………….. 30

11-14 years (males)…………………………………….. 45

15-18 years (males)…………………………………….. 65

19-24 years (males)…………………………………….. 70

25-50 years (males)…………………………………….. 80

51+ years (males)……………………………………….. 80

11-14 years (female)……………………………………. 45

15-18 years (females)………………………………….. 55

19-24 years (females)………………………………….. 60

25-50 years (females)………………………………….. 65

51+ years (females)…………………………………….. 65

Pregnancy……………………………………………………. 65

Lactation, 0-6 months………………………………… 65

Lactation, 6-12 months………………………………. 65

INTERACTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

Large doses of synthetic vitamin K can cause a toxic reaction. Anyone on anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin must consult his or her medical professional before even considering vitamin K as it can reverse the anticoagulant’s action.